Unless the context otherwise indicates, the
following definitions shall be used in the interpretation and construction
of this chapter. Words used in the present tense include the future,
the singular number shall include the plural and the plural the singular;
the word "structure" shall include the word "building"; the word "person"
includes a corporation as well as an individual; the word "lot" includes
the word "plot"; the word "occupies" includes the words "designated
or intended to be occupied"; the word "used" shall include the words
"arranged, designed, constructed, altered, converted, rented, leased
or intended to be used"; the word "shall" is mandatory and not optional,
and the word "may" is permissive.
Certain words and phrases used in this chapter
are defined for the purposes hereof as follows:
The relinquishment of property or a cessation of the use
of property by the owner, with the intention neither of transferring
rights of the property to another owner nor of resuming use of the
property.
A structure detached from a principal building located on
the same lot and customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal
building or use.
A use subordinate to the principal use located on the same
zone lot and serving a purpose customarily incidental to the principal
use.
A measure of land equal to 43,560 square feet.
An establishment primarily engaged in management and general
administrative functions, such as executive, personnel, finance and
sales activities, performed centrally for other facilities of the
same company.
The Zoning Officer of the Village of Ridgefield Park.
A place where animals or pets are given medical or surgical
treatment. Use as a kennel may be limited to animals hospitalized
for medical or surgical treatment.
A dwelling unit, other than a townhouse, located in a building
containing three or more dwelling units.
A person submitting an application for development.
The application form and all accompanying documents required
by ordinance for approval of a subdivision plat, site plan, planned
development, conditional use, zoning variance or direction of the
issuance of a permit pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A.
40:55D-1 et seq.).
The Planning Board of the Village of Ridgefield Park unless
a different agency is designated in this chapter pursuant to the Municipal
Land Use Law.
An underground bed or stratum of earth, gravel or porous
material that contains water. The geological formation serves as a
medium through which water can percolate, sometimes very slowly for
long distances. Aquifers are described as "confined" when they are
overlain by aquicludes and "unconfined" when their surfaces are at
ground level.
Land or water areas which show evidence or artifacts of human,
plant or animal activity, usually dating from periods of which only
vestiges remain.
The merger of separate properties into a single tract of
land.
The use of any building, land area or other premises for
the display, sale or rental of new automobiles, sport utility vehicles,
panel trucks, vans, trailers or recreation vehicles and including
minor mechanical repair service conducted as an accessory use. The
sale of used cars shall only be permitted in conjunction with new
car sales and shall not occupy more than 20% of the developable area
of the lot or parcel.
A roof-like cover that is temporary in nature and projects
from any part of a building for the purpose of shielding a doorway
or window from the elements.
A structure or part of a structure used primarily for the
sale or dispensing of alcoholic beverages by the drink.
The highest elevation, expressed in feet above sea level,
of the level of floodwaters occurring in the regulatory base flood.
The portion of a building which is partly below and partly
above grade. A basement shall be considered a story where the finished
surface of floor above a basement is:
[Amended 7-12-2005 by Ord. No. 05-07]
A private room planned and intended for sleeping, separate
from other rooms by a door.
An off-site lettered or pictorial advertising sign.
That area of land which is enclosed by streets.
The Planning Board of the Village of Ridgefield Park.
The Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgefield Park.
A structure having a clear span of more than 20 feet designed
to convey vehicles and/or pedestrians over a watercourse, railroad,
public or private right-of-way, or any depression.
A small stream or creek.
Land area used to visibly separate one use from another or
to shield or block noise, lights or other nuisance elements and to
ensure privacy.
The area of a lot remaining after the minimum yard, open
space, detention and retention basins and other limiting conditions
established in this chapter or dictated by federal or state regulations
have been met.
An enclosed structure adapted to permanent, temporary or
continuous occupancy and having a roof supported by columns or walls.
When such a structure is divided into separate parts by one or more
unpierced walls extending from the ground up and through the roof,
each part is deemed a separate building, except as regards minimum
side yard requirements.
The vertical distance of a building measured from the average
elevation of the finished grade measured six feet from the foundation
to the highest point of the roof.
A subordinate structure on the same lot as the principal
use occupied or planned to be occupied by a use incidental to the
principal use.
A building in which is conducted the principal use of the
lot on which it is located.
Establishments primarily engaged in rendering services to
business establishments on a fee or contract basis, such as advertising
and mailing; building maintenance; employment service; management
and consulting services; protective services; commercial research;
development and testing; photo finishing; and personal supply services.
A roofed structure providing space for the parking of motor
vehicles and enclosed on not more than two sides.
The portion of the building which is partially or completely
below grade and does not qualify as a basement. No portion of a cellar
shall be used as a dwelling unit.
[Amended 7-12-2005 by Ord. No. 05-07]
A document issued by the Construction Code Official allowing
the occupancy or use of a building and certifying that the structure
or use has been constructed or will be used in compliance with all
the applicable governmental codes and ordinances.
Any use which differs materially from the previous use of
a building or land.
Property used by a nonprofit or eleemosynary organization
that provides a service beneficially to the general public or to a
significant portion of the public for a fee or at a fee recognized
as being less than that charged by profit-making organizations.
A structure containing one or more flues for drawing off
emissions from stationary sources of combustion.
A building or structure or a group of buildings or structures
which by design and construction are intended for the conducting of
organized religious services and accessory uses associated therewith.
A group of people organized for a common purpose to pursue
common goals, interests or activities and usually characterized by
certain membership qualifications, payment of fees and dues, regular
meetings, and a constitution and bylaws.
An open space area within or related to a site designated
as a development and designed and intended for the use or enjoyment
of residents and owners of the development. Common open space shall
not include areas designated as detention, retention or water quality
basins and may contain complementary structures and improvements as
are necessary and appropriate for the use and enjoyment of the residents
and owners of the development.
A homeowners' association organization which is designed
to own, maintain and operate common facilities and to enhance and
protect their common interests.
A building utilized for recreational, social, educational
and cultural activities, usually owned and operated by a public or
nonprofit group or agency.
Submission of an application form provided by the Village
and completed by the applicant, together with all accompanying documents
required by this chapter for approval of the application for development,
including, where applicable, but not limited to, a site plan or subdivision
plat, provided that the approving authority may require such additional
information not specified therein or any revisions in the accompanying
documents as are reasonably necessary to make an informed decision
as to whether the requirements necessary for approval of the application
for the development have been met. The application shall not be deemed
incomplete for lack of any such additional information or any reasons
in the accompanying documents so required by the approving authority.
An application meeting all requirements specified in this chapter
and in the subdivision and site plan review ordinances and in the
rules and regulations of the approving authority shall be deemed complete
as of the day it is so certified by the Planning Board for purposes
of the commencement of the time period for action by the approving
authority.
A use permitted in a particular zoning district only upon
a showing that such use in a specified location will comply with the
conditions and standards for the location or operation of such use
as contained in this chapter and upon the issuance of an authorization
therefor by the Planning Board.
A building or group of buildings in which units are owned
individually and the structure, common areas and facilities are owned
by all the owners on a proportional undivided basis.
The community association which administers and maintains
the common property and common elements of a condominium.
A dwelling providing shelter and services for the elderly
which may include meals, housekeeping and personal care assistance.
Any area which is bounded by three or more attached building
walls.
An area with more than one of the following characteristics:
Slopes in excess of 15%;
Floodplains;
Soils classified as having a high-water table;
Soils classified as highly erodible, subject
to erosion or being highly acidic;
Land formerly used for landfill operations or
hazardous industrial use;
Stream corridors;
Estuaries;
Mature stands of native vegetation;
Aquifer recharge and discharge areas;
Wetland and wetland buffer areas;
Areas designated in the Register of Natural
Areas of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; and
Natural habitats which protect and preserve
endangered and threatened plant and animal species.
A unit of sound pressure level.
The permitted number of dwelling units per gross area of
land to be developed.
An impoundment area made by constructing an embankment or
excavating a pit, or both, for the purpose of temporarily storing
stormwater.
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land proposed
to be included in a proposed development, including the holder of
an option or contract to purchase or other person having an enforceable
proprietary interest in such land.
The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels;
the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration,
relocation or enlargement of any building or other structure or of
any mining, excavation or landfill; and any use or change in the use
of any building or other structure or land or extension of use of
land for which permission may be required.
Any portion of the territory of the Village of Ridgefield
Park within which certain uniform regulations and requirements or
various combinations therefor apply under the provisions of this chapter.
(See "zone.")
The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by
drains, grading or other means, including control of runoff during
and after construction or development to minimize erosion and sedimentation;
to assure the adequacy of the existing and proposed culverts and bridges;
to induce water recharge into the ground where practical; to lessen
nonpoint pollution; to maintain the integrity of stream channels for
their biological functions as well as drainage; and the means necessary
for water supply preservation or prevention or alleviation of flooding.
Any permanent building or portion thereof designed or used
exclusively as the residence or sleeping place of one or more persons.
One or more rooms, occupied or intended for occupancy as
separate living quarters by one family or household, provided that
access is directly from the outside or through a common hall and that
separate cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities are provided within
the dwelling for the exclusive use of the occupants thereof. Occupancy
by more than one family or household within a single dwelling unit
shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
A one-family dwelling attached to one or more one-family
dwellings by common vertical walls.
A dwelling which is completely surrounded by permanent open
space.
A building occupied or intended for occupancy as separate
living quarters for more than two families or households, with two
separate direct means of access to the outside for the multifamily
dwelling and further provided with separate cooking, sleeping and
sanitary facilities for the exclusive use of the occupants of each
unit.
A detached building occupied or intended for occupancy exclusively
by one family or one household, with two separate direct means of
access to the outside and further provided with cooking, sleeping
and sanitary facilities for the use of the occupants of the unit.
Also referred to as "one-family dwelling."
A building occupied or intended for occupancy as separate
living quarters for no more than two families or two households, with
two separate means of access to the outside for the two-family dwelling
and with separate cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities for the
exclusive use of the occupants of each unit, which units are separated
from each other by vertical walls to and through the roof or by horizontal
floors; also referred to as a "duplex dwelling."
The projecting lower edges of a roof overhanging the wall
of a building.
A private or nonprivate organization which is not organized
or operated for the purpose of carrying on a trade or business and
no part of the net earnings of which are for the benefit of any individual.
Any obstruction in a delineated floodway, right-of-way or
adjacent land.
The Village of Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission created
pursuant to P.L. 1968, c. 245 (N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq.).
A statement on the positive and negative effects of development
proposals and other major actions which significantly affect the environment.
The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by
water, wind, ice and gravity.
The erection, construction, alteration or maintenance by
public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies of underground,
surface or overhead gas, electrical, steam or water transmission systems,
cable television and fiber optics, including poles, wires, mains,
drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, police
call boxes, traffic signals, light stations, telephone lines, hydrants
and other similar equipment and accessories herewith, reasonably necessary
for the furnishing of adequate service by such public utilities or
municipal or other governmental agencies for the public health, safety
or general welfare.
A long-term care facility or a distinct part of a facility
licensed or approved as a nursing home, infirmary unit of a home for
the aged or for a governmental medical institution. (See "long-term-care
facility" and "nursing home.")
A group of persons functioning as a single housekeeping unit
and whose relationship is of a permanent, stable and domestic character
as distinguished from nonfamilial institutional use, boardinghomes,
fraternities, sororities, clubs and associations, transient and other
forms of housing. For the purpose of this chapter, a "family" shall
include foster children placed with a family in such dwelling by the
New Jersey State Board of Child Welfare or a duly incorporated child-care
agency.
A private establishment enrolling no more than five children
between 2-1/2 years of age and older where tuition, fees, or other
forms of compensation for the care of children is charged and which
is licensed by the State of New Jersey and approved by the Village
of Ridgefield Park to operate as a family day care center.
An artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination
of materials erected to enclose or screen areas of land.
The temporary overflowing of water onto land which is usually
devoid of surface water.
That portion of the flood hazard area outside the floodway
based on the total area inundated during the regulatory flood plus
25% of the regulatory flood discharge.
The floodway and the relatively flat area adjoining the floodway,
which area can be expected to be inundated by rising waters at least
once in 100 years.
The highest elevation, expressed in feet above sea level,
of the level of floodwaters which delineates the flood-fringe area.
The official map upon which the Federal Insurance Administration
has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk
of premium zones applicable to the community.
The channel and the relatively flat area adjoining the channel
of a natural stream or river which has been or may be covered by floodwater.
A combination of structural provisions, changes or adjustments
to properties and structures subject to flooding for the reduction
or elimination of flood damage to properties, water and sanitary facilities
and other utilities, structures and the contents of buildings.
The channel of a natural stream, brook or river and portions
of the floodplain adjoining the channel which are reasonably required
to carry and discharge the floodwater or flood flow of any natural
stream, brook or river.
For the purpose of this chapter, floor area shall mean the
sum of the gross horizontal area of the several floors of a building
measured from the exterior walls of a building. Floor area shall not
include areas devoted exclusively to off-street parking and loading
space for motor vehicles or to any space where the floor-to-ceiling
height shall be less than seven feet six inches.
The sum of the areas of all floors of buildings or structures
divided by the total lot area of the site.
A building which is located on the same lot as a principal
use or connected to a principal use.
A building or structure used for the storage of one or more
vehicles. If it is maintained primarily for the convenience of the
resident-occupant of the premises and no service is rendered to the
public or business conducted therein, it is a private garage. Any
garage other than a private garage is a public garage.
One or more multiple-family buildings not exceeding two stories
or 35 feet in height, containing off-street parking, outdoor recreational
facilities and open spaces as more fully required herein.
The effect produced by brightness sufficient to cause annoyance,
discomfort or loss in visual performance and visibility.
The reference plane representing the average of finished
ground level adjoining a building at all exterior walls. When the
finished ground level slopes away from the exterior walls, the reference
plane shall be established by the lowest points within the area between
the building and the lot line or, when the lot line is more than six
feet from the building, between the building and a point six feet
from the building.
Gross density shall mean the total number of dwelling units
on the tract of land divided by the total area of the tract, including
environmentally sensitive or restricted areas. The result is expressed
as dwelling units per acre (du/ac).
The supply of freshwater under the surface in an aquifer
or soil that forms the natural reservoir for potable water.
Living space and rooms other than common hallways, cellar,
storage space, garage areas or any area where the ceiling height is
more than seven feet six inches or greater.
[Amended 7-12-2005 by Ord. No. 05-07]
An area, either at ground level or elevated on a structure,
licensed or approved for the loading and takeoff of helicopters and
including auxiliary facility such as parking, waiting room, fueling
and maintenance equipment.
A heliport but without auxiliary facilities such as parking,
waiting room, fueling and maintenance equipment.
A cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC, whether growing
or not, the seeds thereof, and every compound, manufacture, salt,
derivative, mixture or preparation of the plant or its seeds. This
definition shall include cannabinoids (CBDs) derived from hemp.
[Added 11-13-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-10]
One or more historic sites and intervening or surrounding
properties significantly affecting or affected by the quality and
character of the historic site or sites.
The protection, rehabilitation and restoration of districts,
sites, buildings, structures and artifacts significant in the history,
architecture, archaeology or culture of the United States, the State
of New Jersey, Bergen County and the Village of Ridgefield Park.
Any real property, man-made structure, natural object or
configuration or any portion or group of the foregoing which has been
formally designated in the Master Plan as being of historical, archeological,
cultural, scenic or architectural significance.
A business or profession conducted wholly or in part from
a residence or the residential lot as an accessory use. Such occupations
shall be conducted solely by residential occupants of the lot, and
no more than a single floor area of the building shall be used for
such purposes; no display or advertisement of products or services
shall be visible from the street; the residential character of the
building shall not be changed; the occupation shall be conducted entirely
within the dwelling; no occupational sound shall be audible outside
the building; no article shall be offered for sale from the premises;
no customers or clients shall be received on the premises; no machinery
or equipment shall be used which will cause interference with radio
and television reception in the neighboring residences; and the use
shall not reduce the parking or yard requirements of the principal
residential use.
A nonprofit corporation operating under a recorded land agreement
through which each lot or individual dwelling unit owner shall be
a member; the owner of each dwelling unit is subject to a charge for
a proportionate share of the organization's expenses for activities
and maintenance, including any maintenance costs levied against the
association by the Village; and each owner and tenant has the right
to use the common property.
A facility offering transient lodging accommodations to the
general public and providing additional services such as restaurants,
meeting rooms, and recreational facilities. Hotel rooms shall not
be utilized as permanent living facilities, and hotel rooms shall
not be permitted to maintain cooking facilities within any hotel room.
A building classified as a hotel shall be three or more stories in
height. (See definition of "motel.")
A group of not more than four persons who are not related
by blood, marriage or adoption, living together as a single housekeeping
unit.
Multifamily housing regulated and operated in accordance
with 42 U.S.C. §§ 3607(b)(2)(A) and 3607(b)(2)(B).
(Also known as "senior citizen housing," "housing for older persons"
and "age-restricted multifamily housing.")
[Amended 7-12-2005 by Ord. No. 05-07]
Any nonporous material which resides and prevents absorption
of stormwater on the land.
The percentage of lot area which is improved with principal
and accessory buildings, structures and uses, including all impervious
surface areas such as buildings, driveways, parking lots and garages
and other man-made equipment including sidewalks, walkways, signs,
fences and walls, retention, detention and water quality basins.
A tract of land with a minimum of five acres comprehensively
planned for industrial or office uses, whether or not buildings are
erected in one development stage or over a period of time, but where
the streets, utilities and lots and/or tenant's parcels are set forth
for the entire tract prior to construction of any portion of the tract.
As development takes places, changes may be made in the plans for
the undeveloped section(s), provided that the modifications conform
to logical extensions of installed segments of streets, drainage,
utilities and other facilities. Parks with no subdivided lots shall
have buildings spaced so that the mortgage and/or lease lines conform
to the requirements for lot lines to establish conformance with this
chapter for such matters as building setbacks, buffers, driveway locations,
and distances between buildings. (Also known as "planned industrial
development" or "office park development.")
Manufacturing, research and distribution activities where
noise, odors, smoke, dust, vibration or glare may be discernible at
the property line but not as such to constitute a nuisance or be injurious
to the health and safety of the community.
Manufacturing, research and distribution activities in which
no noise, odors, smoke, dust, vibration or glare may be discernible
at the property line.
A facility which provides, on a regular basis, health care
and related services to individuals who do not require the degree
of care and treatment which a hospital or skilled nursing facility
is designated to provide, but who, because of their mental or physical
condition, require care and services which can be made available to
them only through institutional facilities such as these.
Any area of land, with or without buildings, devoted to the
storage, keeping of junk or debris, whether or not it is in connection
with the dismantling, processing, salvage, sale or other use or disposition
thereof of any material whatsoever.
Ground, soil or earth, including structures on, above or
below the surface.
Any activity involving the clearing, cutting, excavating,
filling or grading of land or any other activity which alters land
topography or vegetative cover.
An off-street berth on the same lot as the building being
served for the temporary parking of a vehicle while loading or unloading.
An institution which is licensed or approved to provide health
care under medical supervision for 24 or more consecutive hours to
patients who are not related to the governing authority or its members
by marriage, blood or adoption.
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by
a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed
or built upon as a unit.
The computed areas contained within the lot lines, excluding
any street right-of-way. The "minimum" lot area of a lot fronting
on a street proposed to be widened in the adopted Master Plan shall
be the minimum area required for the district in which it is located
plus the additional area needed for the street widening, where said
widening is by fee simple or by way of easement.
That portion of a lot which is occupied by principal and,
where appropriate, by accessory buildings but not including other
areas of impervious surfaces such as walkways, driveways, patios,
swimming pools and open parking lots.
A horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines,
measured perpendicular or radial to the front lot line at the midpoint
of the lot frontage to the furthest distance thereof, taken as the
average of three measurements at each corner and at the midpoint for
irregularly shaped parcels.
The length of the front lot line measured at the right-of-way
line. Also known as "frontage."
A line of record bounding the lot.
The lot line separating the lot from the street right-of-way
line also referred to as a "street line."
The lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot
line.
Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
The horizontal distance between the side lines of a lot measured
parallel to the front lot line at the required front yard setback
line.
A parcel of land at the junction of and abutting two intersecting
streets.
A parcel of land with frontage along one street.
The smallest lot area established by this chapter upon which
a use or structure may be located in a particular district.
A parcel of land at the junction of and abutting on three
intersecting streets.
A parcel of land which extends through from one street to
another.
For the purposes of this chapter, low-income housing shall
be housing that is designed for a household earning 50% or less of
the area's median income, adjusted by household size, as determined
by the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing (COAH).
Any subdivision not classified as a minor subdivision.
All or parts of the plant genus cannabis, whether growing
or not, the seeds thereof, and every compound, manufacture, salt,
derivative, mixture or preparation of the plant or its seeds (except
those containing only resin extracted from the plant). Notwithstanding
the foregoing, this definition shall not be deemed to include hemp
as such term is defined herein.
[Added 11-13-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-10]
A business, residence or other location where the cultivation,
testing, manufacturing, dispensing, growing, extraction or retail
sale of marijuana, or marijuana paraphernalia takes place, or where
the selling or dispensing of medical marijuana take places, or where
services are offered that involve marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia.
This definition shall not include legally authorized medical care,
pharmaceutical research or clinical trials performed or conducted
by or under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician,
medical research facility, hospital or pharmaceutical company.
[Added 11-13-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-10]
Any equipment, products, or materials of any kind which are
used, intended for use, or designed for use in planting, propagating,
cultivating, growing, harvesting, composting, manufacturing, compounding,
converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing,
packaging, repackaging, storing, vaporizing, or containing marijuana,
or for ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing marijuana into
the human body.
[Added 11-13-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-10]
Any hood, canopy, awning or permanent construction which
projects from a wall of a building usually above an entrance.
A building that contains establishments dispensing health
services.
A structure containing separate storage spaces of varying
sizes leased or rented on an individual basis.
A development plan of one or more lots which possess new
development within the scope of development specifically permitted
by the Village site plan ordinance as a minor site plan; does not
involve planned development, any new street or extension of any off-tract
improvement which is to be prorated pursuant to the Municipal Land
Use Law; and contains the information reasonably required in order
to make an informed decision as to whether the requirements established
by this chapter for approval of a minor site plan have been met. A
minor site plan shall be limited to a building alteration of 500 square
feet of floor space or less, a modification of less than five parking
spaces and an increase of no more than 3% of its lot coverage or 5%
of its improved lot coverage.
A subdivision of land for the creation of no more than three
lots as a minor subdivision, provided that such subdivision does not
involve a planned development, any new street or the extension of
any off-tract improvements, the cost of which is to be prorated pursuant
to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-42.
For the purposes of this chapter, moderate-income housing
shall be housing that is designed for a household earning between
50% and 80% of the area's median income, as adjusted for household
size, as defined by the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing (COAH).
A building which provides rooms for transient guests, has
a public lobby and may have an outside entrance for each room. A motel
shall be limited to no more than two stories.
A place where motion pictures are shown to the public for
a fee.
A place of business within a principal building where the
bodies of motor vehicles are repaired and/or rehabilitated. Motor
vehicles shall be limited to passenger cars, vans, sport utility vehicles
and small trucks not exceeding 10,000 pounds, gross vehicle weight
classification. Permitted activities include metal fabricating and
refinishing, sanding and painting and other related mechanical activities
necessary to repair auto bodies.
A federal program which authorizes the sale of federally
subsidized flood insurance in communities where such flood insurance
is not available privately.
A 1966 federal law that established a National Register of
Historic Places, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and
authorized grants in aid for historic properties preservation.
The official list, established by the National Historic Preservation
Act, of sites, districts, buildings, structures and objects significant
in the nation's history or whose artistic or architectural value is
unique.
A lot, the area, dimension or location of which was lawful
prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of this chapter, but
which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district
in which it is located by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment.
Any sign lawfully existing on the effective date of this
chapter or an amendment thereto which renders such sign nonconforming
because it does not conform to all the standards and regulations of
the adopted or amended ordinance.
A structure, the size, dimension or location of which was
lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of this chapter
but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district
in which it is located by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment.
A use or activity which was lawful prior to the adoption,
revision or amendment of this chapter but which fails to conform to
the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located by
reason of such adoption, revision or amendment.
Surfaced water entering a channel from no definable discharge
source.
An interference with the enjoyment and use of property.
Any environmental pollutant, such as smoke, odors, liquid
wastes, solid wastes, radiation, noise, vibration, glare or heat,
which exceeds the performance standards of this chapter.
An extended or intermediate care facility licensed or approved
to provide full-time convalescent or chronic care to individuals who,
by reason of advanced age, chronic illness or infirmity, are unable
to care for themselves.
A place for the transaction of business where reports are
prepared and records are kept but where no retail sales of goods are
offered and where no manufacturing, assembling or fabricating takes
place.
Located outside the lot lines of the lot in question but
within the property (of which the lot is part) which is the subject
of a development application or contiguous portion of a street or
right-of-way.
A temporary storage area for a motor vehicle that is directly
accessible to an access aisle and which is not located within a street
right-of-way.
Not located on the property which is the subject of a development
application nor located on a contiguous portion of the street or right-of-way.
Located on the lot in question.
A temporary storage area for a motor vehicle which is located
within a street right-of-way.
Located on the subject property which is the subject of a
development application or on a contiguous portion of a street right-of-way.
Any parcel, area of land or water essentially unimproved
and set aside, dedicated, designed or reserved for public or private
use or enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants
of land adjoining or neighboring such open space, provided that such
areas may be improved with only those buildings, structures and off-street
parking and other improvements that are designed to be incidental
to the natural openness of the land.
The keeping in an unroofed area of any goods, materials,
merchandise or vehicles in the same place for more than 24 hours.
The extension of the main walls of a building above the roof
level.
A lot or tract of land.
Any public or private land area designed and used for parking
motor vehicles, including parking lots, garages, private driveways
and legally designated areas on public streets.
Any open area used for the temporary storage of automobiles
and other vehicles for the private use solely by the occupants thereof
to which such use is accessory.
Any open area other than a street or other public way used
for the temporary storage of automobiles and other vehicles and available
to the public, whether for a fee or without compensation or as an
accommodation for clients, customers or employees.
Standards adopted by this chapter regulating noise levels,
glare, earthborne or sonic vibrations, heat, electronic or atomic
radiation, noxious odors, toxic matters, explosive and flammable matters,
smoke and airborne particles, waste discharge, screening of unsightly
objects or conditions and such other similar matters as may be reasonably
required by the Village of Ridgefield Park or standards required by
applicable federal, state, county or municipal ordinance.
Any principal use allowed in a zoning district and subject
to the restrictions applicable to that zoning district.
Any individual, association, partnership, corporation or
cooperative group.
The provisions for development of a planned development,
including a plat of subdivision, all covenants relating to use, location
and bulk of buildings and other structures, building and structural
height, intensity of use or density of development, public or private
streets, ways and parking facilities, open space and public facilities.
The phrase "provisions of the plan," when used in this chapter, shall
mean the written and graphic material referred to in this plan.
Includes a planned unit development, planned residential
development, planned commercial development or planned industrial
development.
An area of minimum contiguous size as specified in this chapter
to be developed according to a plan as a single entity containing
one or more structures with appurtenant common areas to accommodate
industrial uses.
An area with a specified minimum contiguous acreage to be
developed as a single entity according to a plan containing one or
more residential clusters, which may include appropriate public or
quasi-public uses all primarily for the benefit of residential development.
The Planning Board of the Village of Ridgefield Park.
Map(s) of a subdivision or site plan.
The plat of all or a portion of the development submitted
for final approval and which, if approved as a subdivision, shall
be filed with the county recording officer within the required time;
otherwise the approval shall be void.
The plat submitted for purposes of classification and discussion.
The plat submitted as part of the application for preliminary
subdivision approval.
A plan for two-family dwellings on which is shown: 1) the
existing and proposed conditions of the lot, including, but not limited
to topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains, waterways, wetland
areas and garages; 2) the location of all existing and proposed buildings,
parking areas, walkways, means of ingress and egress, drainage facilities,
utility services, landscaping, screening devices; and 3) any other
information that may be reasonably required in order to make an informed
determination pursuant to an ordinance requiring review and approval
of plot plans by the Planning Board. Said plot plan shall be signed
and sealed by a licensed engineer and a licensed land surveyor in
the State of New Jersey.
A roofed open area, which may be screened but not totally
enclosed, attached to or part of and with direct access to or from
a building.
The primary or predominant use of the lot. No lot shall have
erected upon it more than one principal permitted use. No more than
one principal building shall be permitted on one lot, except that
apartment and townhouse complexes, when permitted, may be permitted
more than one building on a lot in accordance with an approved site
plan where all buildings are sited to comply with all yard definitions
and the definition of an industrial or office park.
A garage used solely for the occupants of the premises upon
which it is located for the storage of motor vehicles and in which
no business, commercial services or industry connected with motor
vehicles or residential occupancy is carried on, unless said private
garage is an integral part of the total structure; sometimes identified
as a "parking deck or structure."
An institution of education whose general course work is
comparable to the public school system and whose curriculum is approved
by the New Jersey Department of Education or the New Jersey Department
of Higher Education.
A series of operations, usually in a contiguous and regular
action or succession of actions, taking place or carried on in a definite
manner.
The offices of a dentist, doctor, attorney, accountant, chiropractor,
psychologist, engineer, lawyer, architect, planner, insurance or real
estate agent and public relations.
A use that is not permitted as a principal, accessory or
conditional use in a zone district.
Includes public parks, playgrounds, trails, paths and other
recreational areas; other public open spaces; scenic and historic
sites; and sites for schools and other public buildings and structures.
The land reserved or dedicated for the installation of stormwater
sewers or drainage ditches or required along a natural stream or watercourse
for preserving the biological as well as drainage function of the
channel and providing for the flow of water to safeguard the public
against flood damage, sedimentation and erosion and to assure the
adequacy of existing and proposed culverts and bridges to induce water
recharge into the ground where practical and to lessen nonpoint pollution.
An open space area conveyed or otherwise dedicated to a municipality,
municipal agency, board of education, state or county agency, or other
public body for recreational or conservation uses.
Telephone, electric and cable television lines, poles, equipment
and structures; water or gas pipes, mains, valves or structure; sewer
pipes, valves or structures; pumping stations; telephone exchanges
and repeater stations; and all other facilities, equipment and structures
necessary for conducting a service by a government or public utility.
The process of renewing underground water by infiltration
during wet seasons.
A recreation facility operated by a nonprofit organization
and open only to bona fide members and guests of such nonprofit organization.
A recreation facility operated by a governmental agency and
open to the general public.
Any leisure activity not considered active.
A recreation facility operated as a business and open to
the public for a fee.
An establishment or other facility for carrying on investigation
in the natural, physical or social sciences or engineering and development
as an extension of investigation with the objective of creating end
products.
An area to be developed as a single entity according to a
plan containing residential housing units which have a common public
open space area as an appurtenance.
A building or structure designed, used or intended for use
in which food and beverage are sold and consumed primarily within
the confines of an enclosed structure on the site. "Restaurant" shall
not include refreshment stands commonly called snack or dairy bars
where consumption takes place outside of the structure or in automobiles
parked upon the premises, whether brought to said automobile by the
customer or by the employees of the establishment. As used in this
chapter, "restaurant" shall not mean a fast food restaurant, as defined
herein. A restaurant shall also include pickup or delivery services
wherein food is prepared on the premises for off-premises consumption.
An establishment which by design of physical facilities or
by service or packaging procedures permits or encourages the purchase
of prepared ready-to-eat foods intended primarily to be consumed off
the premises and where the consumption of food in vehicles on the
premises is not permitted or encouraged.
A commercial establishment where food and drink prepared
for immediate consumption are purchased at a counter and either eaten
on the premises, in the purchaser's automobile or off the premises.
Those restaurants where food is consumed only at tables on the premises
and served by waiters and waitresses shall not be deemed "fast-food
restaurants." Fast-food restaurants shall also not include those retail
stores where food is primarily sold for preparation and consumption
elsewhere, although, as a secondary use of the premises, prepared
food may also be sold over the counter for immediate consumption,
such as a delicatessen.
A commercial establishment where food and drink are prepared,
served and consumed that complies with the following requirements:
All food, drinks, etc. must be prepared and
served for consumption on the premises; however, such restaurants
may, as an ancillary service, provide takeout orders and catering
services.
All such restaurants must be a sit-down-type
restaurant where food is consumed at tables and counters and is served
and orders are taken by waiters, waitresses and/or chefs.
No such restaurant may offer takeout counter service (other than the limited takeout allowed pursuant to Subsection A above).
Such restaurant shall not be a fast-food restaurant,
as defined herein.
The replication or reconstruction of a building's original
architectural features.
A structure constructed to hold back or support an earthen
bank.
A facility that provides permanent storage of excessive surface
runoff, such as a pond, pool or basin.
The total width and length of the course of a street, watercourse,
utility alignment or another way and within, under or over which improvements
and rights of access are confined.
A device used to measure the opacity of smoke emitted from
stacks and other sources.
A reflective dish structure which is designed for the purpose
of receiving television, radio, microwave, satellite or other similar
signals.
An open area, the natural features of which are visually
significant or geologically or botanically unique.
An easement, the purpose of which is to limit development
in order to preserve a view or scenic area. (See "easement.")
Any building or part thereof which is designed, constructed
or used for education or instruction in any branch of knowledge.
Any school licensed by the State of New Jersey which meets
the state requirements for elementary education.
A school supported and controlled by a church or religious
organization.
Any building or group of buildings, the use of which meets
state requirements for primary, secondary or higher education and
which does not secure the major part of its funding from any governmental
agency.
Any school licensed by the State of New Jersey which is authorized
to award diplomas for secondary education.
The depositing of earth or soil that has been transported
from its site of origin by water, ice, wind, gravity as a product
of erosion.
A building or place of business where gasoline, fuel, oil
and grease and/or batteries, tires and other automobile accessories
are supplied and dispensed directly to the motor vehicle trade and
where minor repair services may be rendered. The sale of food products
and/or convenience goods in vending machines shall be permitted.
A line parallel to a public street or internal street line
or lot line beyond which a building does not project. The minimum
yard requirements shall be the minimum required setbacks. All setbacks
from public access streets or internal streets shall be measured from
the proposed right-of-way as shown on the adopted Master Plan.
A group of commercial establishments planned, constructed
and managed as a single entity, with customer and employee parking
provided on site, provisions for delivery of goods separate from customer
access, aesthetic considerations and protection from the elements.
A paved, surfaced or leveled area used as a pedestrian walkway.
A triangular-shaped portion of land established at street
intersections or intersections of driveways and streets in which nothing
is erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow beyond 30 inches in
height in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance
of motorists entering or leaving the intersection.
Any device for visual communications that is used for the
purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of the public.
An advertising sign is a sign which directs attention to
an individual, business, product or service conducted, sold, leased
or offered elsewhere than on the premises where the sign is located.
For the purposes of this chapter, a billboard shall be considered
an advertising sign.
A sign used to identify a common area containing a group
of structures or a single structure on a minimum site of one acre,
such as residential subdivisions, apartment complexes, industrial
parks, shopping centers, and industrial or office parks, located at
the entrance or entrances of the area and including, but not limited
to, a fence, wall, archway, post or column with the letters or symbols
affixed thereto.
The area of a sign is the area included within the frame
or edge of the sign. Where the side has no such frame or edge, the
area shall be the minimum area which can be defined by an enclosed
four-sided (straight side) geometric shape which most clearly outlines
the said sign.
A sign intended to be hung either with or without a frame,
possessing characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentation applied
to paper, plastic, fabric or other similar materials of any kind.
A sign used to identify either the trade, business, industry
or profession being conducted on the premises, Logo identification
which is used to advertise a produce, such as but not limited to "Coca
Cola" or "We Sell Kodak Film," shall not be deemed to be a permitted
business sign, except that personal logos, not to be used to advertise
a product, shall be permitted.
A directional or informational sign is a nonadvertising sign
which directs attention to vehicular or pedestrian entrances or exits,
parking areas, reserved parking spaces or similar site elements and
is intended only for the safety and convenience of employees patrons
or visitors. No directional or informational sign shall exceed four
square feet.
An illuminated sign on which artificial or reflected light
is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity, color or hue
at all times when in use.
A sign, having not more than two display sides, which is
attached to or part of a completely self-supporting structure. The
supporting structure shall be set firmly on or below the ground surface
and shall not be attached to any building or structure whether portable
or stationary.
A sign, having not more than two display sides, set firmly
on or below the ground surface.
A freestanding sign shall be measured from the ground surface
beneath the sign to the highest point of the sign.
A sign which rotates or shifts or appears to rotate or shift
in position.
A sign containing a statement about or endorsement of any
public issue or candidate(s) for public office.
An advertising devices which is ordinarily in the shape of
an "A" or some variation thereof, located on the ground, easily movable
and not permanently attached thereto, and which usually is two-sided.
Any sign that is affixed at an angle or perpendicular to
the wall or facade upon which it is mounted, which projects more than
12 inches from the wall or facade upon which it is mounted or projects
above the top or beyond either side of the wall or facade upon which
it is mounted.
A pylon sign shall be a sign, having not more than two display
sides, which is attached to or part of a completely self-supportive
structure. The supporting structure shall be set firmly on or below
the ground surface and shall not be attached to any building, whether
portable or stationary.
A sign placed upon the property for the purpose of advertising
to the public the sale or lease of the property placed thereon.
Any sign wholly erected, constructed or maintained on the
roof or parapet of a structure.
A nonpermanent nonilluminated wall or freestanding sign,
A sign affixed to or painted on and parallel with the surface
of a wall or facade. A sign affixed to or painted on an awning, marquee
or canopy shall be considered a wall sign.
Any plot or parcel of land or combination of contiguous lots
or parcels of land.[1]
The examination of the specific development plans for a lot.
The term "site plan approval' means a requirement that the site plan
be approved by the approving authority prior to the issuance of a
building or certificate of occupancy.
The degree of deviation of a surface from the horizontal,
usually expressed in percent or degrees.
Solid particles generated as a result of the incomplete combustion
of material containing carbon.
All unconsolidated mineral and organic material of whatever
origin that overlies bedrock and can be readily excavated.
A property owner's right to have the sunlight shine on the
owner's land.
Land areas where the slope is greater than 14.99%.
Any storm drainage technique that retards or detains runoff,
such as a detention or retention basin, porous pavement, or any combination
thereof.
That portion of a building included between the upper surface
of a floor and upper surface of the floor or roof next above. A story
height shall mean the vertical distance from top to top of two successive
tiers of beams or finished floor surfaces and, for the topmost story,
from the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists
or, when there is no ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters.
The lowest story or the ground story of any building, the
floor of which is not more than 12 inches below the average contact
ground level at the exterior walls of the building.
Any street, avenue, boulevard, road, parkway, viaduct, drive
or other way which is an existing state, county or municipal roadway
or which is shown upon a plat heretofore approved pursuant to law
or which is shown on a plat duly filed and recorded in the office
of the county recording officer prior to the appointment of a Planning
Board and the grant to such Board of the power to review plats, and
includes the land between the street lines, whether improved or unimproved,
and may comprise pavement, shoulders, gutters, curbs, sidewalks, parking
areas and other areas within the street lines.
The edge of the existing or future street right-of-way, whichever
is wider, as shown on an adopted Master Plan or Official Map or as
required by this chapter, forming the dividing line between the street
and the lot.
Any change in either the supporting members of a building,
such as bearing walls, columns, beams and girders, or in the dimensions
or configurations of the roof or exterior walls.
A combination of materials to form a construction for occupancy,
use or ornamentation, whether installed on, above or below the surface
of a parcel of land.
A retail establishment primarily selling food as well as
other convenience and household goods.
Any structure having a depth greater than two feet and a
water surface area in excess of 100 square feet which is used for
swimming, bathing or wading purposes.
A use established for a fixed period of time with the intent
to discontinue such use upon the expiration of the time period.
An improved area used for playing tennis.
A building or part of a building devoted to showing motion
pictures or for dramatic, musical or live performances.
The configuration of a surface area showing relative elevations.
A building designed for or occupied by no more than one family
or household and attached to other similar buildings or structures
by not more than party walls extending from the foundation to the
roof and providing two direct means of access to the outside. Furthermore,
each such dwelling unit shall be provided with cooking, sleeping and
sanitary facilities for the exclusive use of each family or household.
For purposes of this chapter, a townhouse may include a building or
groups of buildings in fee simple, a condominium, cooperative or leasehold
ownership, or any combination thereof.
Land in its natural state before development
That part of the natural environment which is rare or not
duplicated in the community or region.
The specific purpose for which land or a building is designed,
arranged or intended or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
Services, including but not limited to sewage treatment,
water supply, gas, electric, fiber optics, telephone, cable television
and other forms of communications, regulated by the Public Utilities
Commission.
Permission to depart from the literal requirements of this
chapter pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law.
Stabilization of erosive or sediment-producing areas by covering
the soil with permanent or short-term seeding, mulching or sodding.
A secondary or higher education facility primarily teaching
usable skills that prepare students for jobs in a trade and meeting
the state requirements as a vocational facility.
An aboveground or in-ground structure containing less than
24 inches of water.
A building used primarily for the storage of goods and materials.
Terminal facilities for handling and storing goods and materials
without vehicle maintenance.
The upper surface of groundwater or that level below which
the soil is seasonally saturated with water.
An open space which lies between the principal or accessory
building or building and the nearest lot line which is unoccupied
and unobstructed from the ground upward except as herein permitted.
In an apartment, townhouse, industrial or office park zone or other
development where more than one building may be erected on a lot,
yards shall also be the open space extending between structures. All
yard dimensions shall be measured horizontally and at right angles
to either a straight street line lot line or building facade or perpendicular
to the point of tangent of curved lot lines and facades. The minimum
distance between buildings in developments where there is more than
one building on a lot shall be no closer to one another than the sum
of both their respective side yards. Powerboats and sailboats, motor
homes and similar vehicles shall not be permitted to be parked in
any yard in a residential zone unless such vehicles are fully enclosed.
An open space extending the full width of the lot between
the front lot line and the principal building, unoccupied and unobstructed
from the ground upward except as may be specified elsewhere in this
chapter. The depth of the front yard shall be measured parallel to
and at right angles to the front lot line.
A yard extending across the full width of the lot and lying
between the rear line of the lot and the nearest line of the principal
building. The depth of the rear yard shall be measured parallel to
and at right angles to the rear property line.
An open, unoccupied space between the side line of the lot
and the nearest line of the principal building extending from the
front to the rear yard setback. The width of the side yard shall be
measured parallel to the side line and at a right angle to the lot.
A specifically delineated area or district within Ridgefield
Park in which regulations and requirements are uniformly established
concerning the use, placement, spacing and size of land and buildings.
(See "district.")
The Board of Adjustment of the Village of Ridgefield Park
as continued under this chapter.
The Zoning Map of the Village of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, prepared by Kasler Associates, P.A., dated April 30, 2001, together with all amendments subsequently adopted.[2]
As designated by the governing body.
A document signed by the Administrative Officer which is
required by this chapter as a condition precedent to the commencement
of a use or the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration,
conversion, or installation of a structure or building, and which
acknowledges that such use or structure or building complies with
the provisions of this chapter or a variance therefrom duly authorized
by the Planning Board or the Board of Adjustment, as the case may
be.
[1]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "site
plan, exempt," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed
7-12-2005 by Ord. No. 05-07.
[2]
Editor's Note: The Zoning Map of the Village is included at the end of this chapter.
